August 2022 • Let’s Pause and Reflect

Message from the Director

If you had to think about it, what in life catches you so off-guard that you must pause and reflect?

The summer heat wave that descended upon Oregon over this last month was one for me. The pantry was given the opportunity to partner with the Oregon Health Authority to distribute portable air conditioners to those in our community who fit certain criteria. As many of you know last year the state had many individuals that died from the summer heatwave.

This year, with the help of many community-based organizations, they tried to get ahead of it.

Before we knew it, we were receiving nearly 1,000 phone calls and were listening to some of the most heartbreaking stories of individuals in need of air conditioning. The need is greater than any of us could have ever imagined.

We are so grateful that hundreds of elderly, disabled and newborn individuals were able to obtain those air conditioners when the temperatures rose past 100 degrees. Our staff and volunteers worked nonstop to get them delivered, setup and installed:

AIR CONDITIONER RELIEF STORIES

Lisa and Emily are elderly sisters. They live together on the third floor of an apartment. Both sisters are bedridden with multiple chronic diseases. They asked us if we could please provide them with air conditioners. We were able to deliver and install for them.

Jerry is a Vietnam veteran that lives alone, and was recently hospitalized due to a back surgery. On the day he was released from the hospital the temperature outside was over 100 degrees, and we installed an air conditioner in his home that same day.

Lastly, Ginger, who also lives on a third-floor apartment with an eight-week-old baby, desperately needed one. As many of you know, newborns are very sensitive to heat and overheating can present an immediate danger. Ginger was incredibly appreciative to have an option to keep her baby cool.

In closing, starting the first Monday of June 2022, our campus has began hosting a community health fair.

We have partnered with many organizations who come every week and provide services like: COVID vaccinations, haircuts and baths for the houseless. 211 is there providing information on how to access multiple services, food boxes, clothes and so many other programs.

The fair will continue through the last Monday in August. It has been an amazing summer watching each week as individuals come and get connected with the support they need.

Your ongoing monthly support helps make all that you read about in this letter possible. No gift is too small. Please consider becoming a monthly partner with us as we continue to support those in our community who are looking for help. With the fall and winter months coming, we always see an upsurge in lack that our neighbors face.

Thank you for helping us meet that need.